Paul describes Timothy as

– genuine

– Jesus centered 

– like a son

Philippians 2:19-24

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will also come.”

Paul highlights the special father-son relationship he has with Timothy… 

I Tim 1:2 ‘My true son in the faith’

I Tim 1:18 ‘Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction”

II Tim 1:2 ‘To Timothy, my dear son’

II Tim 2:1 ‘You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus’ 

In a very real way, Paul was a spiritual father to Timothy. His father was a Greek, but Lois, his Jewish grandmother, and his mother, Eunice, planted significant seeds of faith. 

II Timothy 3:15

“And from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  

Paul intentionally stepped into this role as a spiritual father and invited Timothy to be his spiritual son. This was an intentional discipling relationship. 

*Reflection: This is a model for me of true discipleship, inviting another younger man to be a ‘spiritual son’ and follow me as I follow Christ.

*Question: Do you have a spiritual father/son relationship in your life? Answer in the comments below!